Hotel and Travel

NIC Partner Hotels in Downtown Chicago  

Accommodations for the 2026 NIC Fall Conference are available at 3 hotels with exclusive conference room blocks for our registered attendees. These rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book early!  

Stay Where the Action Is!
Register early to secure your spot and join us at our host hotel:  

NIC has partnered with two additional top-notch hotels in Downtown Chicago, IL, offering exclusive discounted rates for our conference registered attendees. 

Loews Chicago Hotel 

• Just steps away from the host hotel—modern vibes and great city views.
• Address: 455 N Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 (240 ft next to the Sheraton, 1 Minute walk between properties)  
• Rate: starting at $289/night (single occupancy + tax), $309/night (double occupancy + tax)
• Available through: September 18, 2026, or until the conference block is full (whichever comes first)  

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile  

• A cost-effective option with all the essentials!
• Address: 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 (0.2 miles, 2 minute walk from Sheraton)
• Rate: starting at $299/night (single/double occupancy + applicable taxes/fees)
• Available through: September 18, 2026, or until the conference block is full (whichever comes first)  

Important Note: You must be registered for the 2026 NIC Fall Conference to access these exclusive conference blocks with discounted rates. Once your registration is complete, your conference registration confirmation email will detail how to book accommodation at the hotels with the official hotel booking links.  

Book early—these blocks fill up fast!  

Hotel Deposit and Cancellation:  

Please refer to your individual hotel confirmation email for additional information. The hotel confirmation will include details regarding the hotel’s specific cancellation and deposit policy.  

For reservations at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk –
Cancellation: To avoid a one-night room and tax penalty, reservations must be canceled by 11:59 PM local time at least 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival check-in date. Cancellations made within 7 days of your scheduled check-in date will incur a one-night room and tax penalty fee.  

Deposits: One-night room and tax deposit will be required and processed 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival check-in date. Deposits will be forfeited for no shows, and cancellations on or within 7 days of your scheduled arrival check-in date. At the time of booking, all reservations must be secured with either a first-night room deposit or a major credit card on file. The hotel will not hold any reservations unless guaranteed by one of these methods. A one-night room and tax deposit will be charged 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival check-in date. If your credit card is declined, your reservation will be cancelled.  

Hotel Room Block Policy:
You must be registered for the conference before booking a hotel room within the NIC room block. Each registered attendee is allowed to reserve one (1) hotel room only. Reservations made without a corresponding conference registration are subject to cancellation without notice, and any deposits may be forfeited.  

Be sure to register first to secure your stay!  

Changes to Hotel Reservations:
Once you’ve booked your hotel room, be sure to check your individual confirmation email for all the important details—including your hotel’s specific cancellation and deposit policies.  

Need to make changes? Whether it’s a name change, adjusting your arrival or departure dates, or canceling your reservation, please contact the hotel directly. They’ll be happy to assist! 

Airports 

Welcome to Windy City! You have two options when flying into Chicago:  

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 18 miles from the hotel. 
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is approximately 12 miles from the hotel.  

Taxi, limo, rideshare, rental cars, and public transportation are available from both airports to the Sheraton.  The hotel does not provide shuttle service. 

Additional Hotel Accommodation Questions?
Please contact the NIC registrar at registrar@nic.org.